Police in Nyamagabe District have arrested four local leaders of Kibirizi and Mbazi sectors in connection with abuse of One-Cow-Per-Poor-Family, commonly known as Girinka, programme.

According to the Southern Region Police spokesperson, André Hakizimana, the suspects were arrested separately on Monday, alleged to have stolen heifers meant for selected beneficiaries.

He identified the suspects as Timothy Muhayimana, head of socio-economic development in Mutiwingoma Cell of Mbazi Sector; African Mugiraneza and Thomas Sibomana, both former veterinary officers in Mbazi, and Louis Karenzi, the executive secretary of Karambo Cell in Kibirizi.

“They were arrested following investigations into claims of mismanagement of the programme. They are alleged to have stolen eleven cows that they either sold or slaughtered and sold the meat. They are currently detained at Gasaka Police Station as investigations into the case continue,” Hakizimana said.

Muhayimana is said to have sold three cows, Mugiraneza allegedly stole four, while the other two suspects are said to have sold one heifer each.

“This is abuse of office and impeding on the government’s social development programmes; these are donations that are meant to benefit the most vulnerable, and as a leaders, you are supposed to oversee and to ensure that the exercise is done in a transparent manner because you will be held accountable for any malpractice detected,” said Hakizimana.

He appealed to the public to stand up for what belongs to them and report leaders who attempt to abuse power.

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